Patent Application
20100107461
The present invention relates to a scrolling display device and a method for displaying images. More particularly, the present invention relates to a scrolling display device and method that is particularly suited for displaying relatively large images such as in a quick-service restaurant.
Various types of menu boards and scrolling devices are known in the art for displaying advertising messages and the like.
However, there is a need for a device and method that is capable of displaying a selected one or more images from a plurality of images or media frames. In addition, a need exists for such a device and method that is relatively low cost and has a thin profile. A need further exists for such a display device that simulates the image appearance of a flat panel LED or plasma monitor or television.
In accordance with the present invention, a scrolling display device is provided. The scrolling display device includes an LED illuminator panel typically having a smooth web-supporting surface. The scrolling display device of the invention further includes a web drive mechanism associated with the LED illuminator panel for moving a flexible image-containing web adjacent and at least in close proximity to the surface of the LED illuminator panel to backlight and permit display of the web portion that is adjacent the LED illuminator panel.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the LED illuminator panel is at least substantially planar. In another embodiment, the LED illuminator panel can be curved to a desired degree, and may have a surface that is a section of a cylinder.
In one embodiment, the LED illuminator panel is a flat panel LED that emits white light.
In accordance with the invention, the LED illuminator panel defines a display window for the scrolling display device. The LED illuminator panel is relatively rigid so that it is self-supporting and also provides a supporting smooth surface for the flexible web.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the web drive mechanism that is associated with the LED illuminator panel is configured to selectively scroll the web back and forth over the LED illuminator panel. Alternatively, the drive mechanism can be configured to selectively scroll a continuous web over the LED illuminator panel. In one embodiment, the web drive mechanism is comprised of a pair of selectively driven spools located on each of opposed sides of the LED illuminator panel for selectively scrolling the web back and forth over the LED illuminator panel by winding the web on one of the spools while unwinding the web on the other of the spools.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the scrolling display device includes a control system for selectively driving a chosen one of the spools to display a selected portion of the web on the LED illuminator.
The flexible web typically has a plurality of discrete frame images disposed on the web. The images may be of a size and configuration to permit display of at least an entire one of the frame images on the LED illuminator panel. The frame images may form an integral part of the web.
In accordance with one embodiment, at least portions of the frame images are at least semi-transparent. In addition, the resolution of the frame images contained on the web may be of a relatively high resolution. For example, the resolution of the images may be at least 200, 400, 600, 1,200 or more dots per inch (dpi) or equivalent. The images may also be high resolution photograph transparencies. The images may be in color or black and white, such as photographic slides, for example. The displayed frame image of the web illuminated by the LED illuminator panel can simulate a flat panel LED image, such as that displayed by an LED or plasma monitor or television. Yet, the high resolution display can be economically achieved as only a relatively inexpensive LED illuminator panel and a relatively inexpensive black and white or color slide image is needed.
Typically, the web will be configured to at least substantially span the LED illuminator panel. A web guide member may be provided that is associated with the LED illuminator panel and extends longitudinally along the direction of web travel over the LED illuminator panel to help maintain the web in at least close proximity to the LED illuminator panel. Preferably, the web is in substantial contact with the LED illuminator panel and the web guide member helps achieve this.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of displaying information is provided. The method includes providing a scrolling display device composed of an LED illuminator panel having a substantially smooth web supporting surface, a web drive mechanism associated with the LED illuminator panel for moving a flexible image-containing web adjacent and at least in close proximity to the surface of the LED illuminator panel to backlight and permit display of the web portion that is adjacent the LED illuminator panel. The method further includes loading a flexible web having a plurality of frame images thereon of a size to permit display of the frame image on the scrolling display device of at least an entire one of the frame images, positioning a selected frame image adjacent and in at least close proximity to the surface of the LED illuminator panel and activating the LED illuminator panel to emit LED light to illuminate the selected frame image.
In accordance with another aspect of the method of the invention, the method further includes providing a high resolution frame image of at least 600 dpi on the web, the display frame image simulating a high resolution image displayed directly by a flat panel LED, such as an LED monitor or television.
Referring to the Figures generally and in particular to
As a result of the large area of the display frame 12, a substantial amount of information can be provided in a single frame, as illustrated in
Thus, as illustrated in
Typically, the number of single frame images contained on flexible web 26 will be at least two or more. In this manner, scrolling display device 10 can display any of the images contained on or that are a part of flexible web 26 as will be hereinafter described in detail.
In addition, flexible web 26 can incorporate a visual warning indicia 28, in this case a stop sign symbol, indicating to the operator that the end of flexible web 26 is being approached and that no further movement of flexible web 26 in the direction of arrow A should be made.
In one example of a suitable use of scrolling display device 10, flexible web 26 has three single image frames, in addition to visual warning indicia 28. Each frame may be targeted to a particular time of day or to a particular product type. For example, if the frames are intended for time of day, one frame may be utilized for products typically sold for breakfast or in the morning, another frame may be targeted to products that are typically sold in the afternoon or at lunch and the third frame may be targeted for products typically sold at dinner or in the evening and in addition another frame can be provided for products typically sold later in the evening, after dinner. Of course, scrolling display device 10 is suitable for displaying any type of image as may be desired.
Referring to
Frame 30 is dimensioned to contain LED illuminator panel 32 and the other components of scrolling display device 10 over which is placed face frame 42 which together with frame 30 forms an enclosure housing all of the internal components of scrolling display device 10.
LED illuminator panel 32 defines display frame 12 in its active illuminated area that corresponds to display frame 12. LED illuminator panel 32 includes a non-illuminated border 54 that allows for mounting of LED illuminator panel 32 to frame 30.
A typical LED illuminator panel for use in accordance with the invention has a substantially smooth web supporting surface which in this case is the surface of display frame 12 over which web 26 traverses. LED illuminator panel 32, in addition to providing a supporting substrate for flexible web 26 also provides low energy efficient backlighting to display the images contained in flexible web 26. As an example, a typical LED illuminator panel having about 8 square feet of lighted area will consume only about 58 watts of electrical energy while providing about 300 foot-candles of light output. In contrast, fluorescent lights would require use of about 290 watts of electrical energy for a similar light output.
Motors 38 and 40 are mounted to frame 30 and transmit rotational energy through gear reducers 56 and 58, respectively, to drive spools 34 and 36. Motors 38 and 40 are controlled by controller 52 which may be a rocker switch. The rocker switch may include three positions, a neutral position where motors 38 and 40 are deactivated, a first position in which web 26 is moved laterally across display frame 12 of LED illuminator panel 32 in the direction of arrow A and a third position in which motors 38 and 40 cause display web 26 to travel in the opposite direction across display frame 12 of LED illuminator panel 32. When display web 26 reaches a desired position on display frame 12, the rocker switch is released and returns to its off position thereby stopping flexible web 26 at the desired display position, such as illustrated in
Nose guides 44 and 46 provide a rounded surface and are located adjacent respective left and right ends of LED illuminator panel 32 to provide a smooth, rounded or radiused surface 44′ and 46′, respectively, to facilitate the traversal of flexible web 26 from spool 34 to spool 36 and similarly in the opposite direction when scrolling display device 10 is so operated.
Upper and lower web guides 48 and 50 guide flexible web 26 to maintain it in a position adjacent and at least in close proximity to the surface of display frame 12 of LED illuminator panel 32. Upper and lower web guides 48 and 50 as illustrated are L-shaped so that when mounted adjacent and in front of the top and bottom edges of LED illuminator panel 32 they provide a channel through which the edges of flexible web 26 can traverse during movement of web 26 along the surface of display frame 12 and between spools 34 and 36.
Spools 34 and 36 can be conveniently constructed of plastic or any other desired material and thus are relatively inexpensive. In addition, an advertising campaign or current prices as part of a menu promotion may be contained on flexible web 26 and wound onto a single one of spools 34 and 36 and delivered to various restaurants or other locations as needed for subsequent display, such as in a mailing tube, for example. Thus, advertising campaigns can be easily and readily economically changed for a large network of retail establishments, for example.
Spools 34 and 36 can be easily mounted to scrolling display device 10 via a spring-loaded assembly 60 which includes a spring 62, a pin 64 and a spring housing 66. Respective spring 62 exerts an upward force against spring housing 66 which, in turn, urges respective spools 34 and 36 upwardly towards gear reduction mechanisms 56 and 58. This allows easy removal and insertion of spools 34 and 36 into an operating position in scrolling display device 10 by depressing spring housing 66 which, in turn, compresses spring 62. The spools 34 and 36 interface with gear reducers 56 and 58 as desired, and may be a slot (not shown) in gear reducers 56 and 58 and a complementary tab at the end of spools 34 and 36 that fits into the slot or vice-versa. A similar arrangement can be utilized between spring housing 66 and the other end of spools 34 and 36, or even a hole and complementary pin arrangement could be used, as this end of spools 34 and 36 is not driven. Suitable mounting plates 68 and 70 are provided for securing gear reducers 56 and 58 and motors 38 and 40 to frame 30. Other suitable miscellaneous components are also depicted in
Referring to
While the invention has been described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, it is to be understood that the invention is capable of numerous changes, modifications and rearrangements and such changes, modifications and rearrangements are intended to be covered by the following claims.
